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Welcome to the Center for Grain and Animal Health Research (CGAHR). CGAHR scientists are recognized world-wide for innovative research and technology development to measure, protect and control the quality of cereal grains; utilize and handle grain and its products; and understand and mitigate wind-caused soil erosion.

CGAHR is one of more than 100 research facilities administered by the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) . Located in Manhattan, CGAHR is the only USDAresearch laboratory in Kansas. We are ideally situated in the heart of the Great Plains, a 13 state region that produces more than two-thirds of all U.S. wheat, corn, sorghum and soybeans. Our location, near Kansas State University, also provides excellent collaborative research opportunities.

CGAHR has a long history. USDA-funded scientists have been working in Manhattan, Kansas since 1919 when cereal pathologist C.O. Johnston was first stationed here. USDA plant breeders came on-board in the 1920s and 30s. In 1935, entomologists investigating stored product insect pests came to Manhattan as part of the Midwest Grain Insects Investigation Unit. The Dust Bowl events of the mid-1930s led to the establishment of the federally-funded High Plains Wind Erosion Laboratory at Kansas State University in 1947. The various USDA scientists were eventually consolidated into the former Grain Marketing and Production Research Center, and in 1969 a new research facility was constructed on a 12 acre site near the Kansas State University campus. The facility, which recently completed a modernization project, continues to house most of the Manhattan-based USDA research programs.

CGAHR has a staff of approximately 85 federal employees, including more than 30 scientists. Each of our five Research Units has a unique mission, interacts with customers and stakeholders, and contributes to one or more ARS National Programs. The Arthropod-Borne Animal Disease Research Unit studies animal diseases transmitted by arthropods, and develops diagnostic tools, vaccines and other technologies to protect animal health.The Engineering and Wind Erosion Research Unitis developing tools and knowledge to sort and handle grain, and to model wind-caused soil erosion. The Grain Quality and Structure Research Unitis investigating the relationships between grain chemistry and end-product quality for wheat and sorghum. The Hard Winter Wheat Genetics Research Unit studies hard winter wheat genetics, focusing on the discovery and use of genes with resistance to insect, disease and other factors. The Stored Product Insect Research Unitresearches stored product insect pests, their genomes, biology, ecology and management.